Reading entertain Southampton at the weekend knowing their visitors have already opened a five point gap at the top of the Championship

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A 1-0 victory at home to West Ham United on Tuesday night widened their lead and gives them a nice cushion before the end of October.

However, it is now four league games since Nigel Adkins’ side last won away from home – something he will hope changes at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday.

Saints are 6/4 favourites with a number of firms including totesport, but they will remain at the summit of England’s second tier regardless of the outcome.

Rickie Lambert is the division’s top scorer with nine goals, and is the man most will expect to open the scoring should Southampton take the lead. He is priced at 11/2 with totesport, and as likely as anyone to notch first.

The Royals have lost just once in their last six encounters with this opposition though, and are unbeaten in their last six fixtures.

Brian McDermott’s side tend to take a while to get started, and they have scored only one of their fourteen Championship goals in the first forty-five minutes.

Ladbrokes have the best odds available on the hosts seizing the initiative and the points, offering 15/8 on the Berkshire-based outfit.

Adam Le Fondre bagged a brace in the draw with Derby County in midweek, and is 7/1 with Coral to break the deadlock here.

The away side have gone on to win all seven games which they have taken the lead in, which makes for an interesting fixture given that Reading are typically such strong finishers.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the game ended all square, but at the same time expect Southampton to win an away game sooner rather than later.

A 1-2 scoreline is as long as 10/1 with StanJames and could well extend Saints’ lead at the Championship peak.